Barrier improves Walhalla Rd

Works are set to begin to install a safety barrier on a dangerous section of Walhalla Rd.

Road safety barriers are being installed on a notorious bend where two serious collisions, including a fatal accident, occurred in a three week period in June and July.

Following detailed planning and engineering assessment, a safety barrier is being installed on the outside curve of the first corner of the road leaving Walhalla.

The works include: road widening to allow sufficient width for barrier installation; new kerb and channel along the inside of the road to improve drainage; new safety barrier along the outside of the curve; and, the section of road will be resurfaced and line marked as a result of these barrier works.

In July 2022, Regional Roads Victoria crew and Victoria Police undetook a joint site inspection of the crash site to investigate how safety could be improved.

Since this inspection, crews have added additional signage, guideposts, and foliage trimming to improve visibility of signs and installed a large “curve warning” sign with a 25km/h advisory speed limit and reduce speed message.

The installation of the permanent safety barrier will complete key recommendations made in the road safety audit.

Regional Roads Victoria has worked closely with road safety experts in planning for this project that will deliver a safer road for all users.

During construction, there will be reduced speed limits and lane closures. Drivers are urged to take extra care and drive to the traffic conditions.

The works are anticipated to be completed in November.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said work to widen a section of Walhalla Rd and install road safety barriers would improve safety for locals and visitors.

“These road safety upgrades will improve safety following a number of recent improvements including additional signage, realigning guideposts and foliage trimming.

“Guard fencing, refreshed line marking, and road resurfacing will go a long way to enhancing safety on this stretch of road, keeping locals and tourists safe,” she said.

The calls for road safety improvements followed a fatal accident on Walhalla Rd in June.

A second serious collision on the same section of road followed just weeks later.

In both recent accidents, vehicles plunged 30 metres down the embankment off Walhalla Rd towards Stringers Creek.

A 19-year-old Drouin man who was a back seat passenger in a vehicle, died in a collision on June 19. Three others in the vehicle, including the driver, sustained serious injuries.

There were no serious injuries in the second collision on July 10.